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On Sunday we reflected briefly that is is possible for a church to bring upon it more present suffering and trials than is normal by rejecting our family unity. for it undermines the very achievements of Jesus on the cross that we remember each time we share the Lord’s Supper.
It would be nieve then to not see a the current events in Ukraine that strike at the very core and ambitions of our western world views -
and not ask the question - is God bringing a loving discipline upon our world.
Psa 85 helps us do just that.
v1-3 speak on the glory days of the Israelite Kingdom..
You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.
For a long time the western world view has dominated our world.
It grew out of Reformed Christian faith,
built on the morals and structures of the Bible.
Much harm has been brought by the west across our world for centuries, but also much good,
not least the expansion of the gospel to many corners of the earth.
And for 75 years we have enjoyed peace.
For perhaps centuries our enamies have been defeated.
Just as Israle enjoyed.
But just as Israel, built on the promises of God, turned it’s back on God - so, on the vast whole of things,
so has the west.
And we find ourselevs now questioning why god has allowed fear and enemies to return to our boarders.
Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.
The Israelites were very slow to return to the Lord in repentance. Let that not be said of us. We are the prophets of old, calling our nation back to repentance.
We too must repent on their behalf.
We must repent of the worldly lies we have believed in ourselves.
We must reflect on what the Lord is tellingus, reminding us.
As the Pslamist does, in the fadce of his tradgey,
I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
If we want to help in this war against Western civilisation, then we don’t jst need to send money, and pray,
we must also listen to God.
God promises peace to His people - are our neighbours his people?
And peace to his faithful - are our collegues His faithful?
Let them not turn to folly - for worse will come - we must rpocliam Christ at this time.
Salavtion is near to those who fear Him - is our government fearful of God?
Do Nato fear God?
For God will dwell amoungst those who fear him - by salavation.
Let them not turn to folly.
Tonight, this week, this month is a time to lament, to mourn our western ideals and worldly ways.
It is a time to repent for our sins and the sins of our leaders.
It is a time to plead for mercy from our God on behalf of Ukraine, Europe, the west.
For we know, winning the war is not the answer to everything - for more toruble and trial and ultimately death will come to all.
Jesus is the answer to everything - he is the salavtion we recieve when we fear the Lord,
He is the place our minds must go when we reflect on v8-9, and so he is the conclusion of this Psalm:
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Let us pray for justice and peace in Ukraine
Let us pray for deliverance and shelter for refugees
Let us pray for evil to fall,
But let us also lament, cry out, call for mercy, learn from this,
that Christ must be proclaimed.
So that whatever faces western civilisation, we have our hope in eternal glory and peace,
and we bring as many with us as we can.
Pray